Mr. James Anthony Wilkerson Sr. was born on August 29, 1951 to the union of Ernest and Martha Wilkerson. He was the one of eight children.

James loved to fish and spend time with friends and family. Wherever there was a gathering, he was definitely the life of the party. James attended District #189 and was self employed until his health failed him.

James confessed hope in Christ and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior where he attended Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church until his health failed him.

James was called home to glory on November 10, 2022 with his loving caregivers Latrina and Imani by his side. He leaves to cherish a loving and devoted caregiver, Ms. Latrina Griffin of Belleville, IL; sons, Demarcus (Shantanya) Brown, Antonio Brown, Anthony James (Sherita) Brown, James
Anthony Wilkerson Jr., Jesse James McCullar, and Jameris Anthony Wilkerson; daughters Tamika Brown-Lowery, Jasmine (Lloyd) Kimbrough, Kamiya Alexander, Victoria Bean, Imani Andrews, Vonkita Crow and Arreia Hudson; special daughter-in-law Tajaa Ivory; two brothers Douglas and Nathaniel Wilkerson; one sister, JoAnn Davis; three loving nephews Mr. Fontez (Jennifer) Wilkerson, Dewayne Wilkerson, Derrick Wilkerson; two nieces, Ms. Crystal (James) Wilkerson and Faith Cherese Wilkerson; close brother, Dexter (Pig) Byrd; thirty two grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; loving
friend of 24 years, Gay Crow.